2.7.2.

Microbiological assay of antibiotics

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

standard for calibration and dilutions of the test material are

introduced into a row of wells in a gel and a fixed amount of
the corresponding reactant is introduced into an opposite
row of wells. The titre of the test material may be determined
as the highest dilution showing a precipitation line.
A number of modifications of crossed immunoelectrophoresis
and electroimmunoassay methods exist.
Other techniques combine separation of antigens by
molecular size and serological properties.
Visualisation and characterisation of immunoprecipitation
lines
These may be performed by selective or non-selective stains,
by fluorescence, by enzyme or isotope labelling or other
relevant techniques. Selective staining methods are usually
performed for characterisation of non-protein substances in
the precipitates.
In translucent gels such as agar or agarose, the precipitation
line becomes clearly visible in the gel, provided that the
concentration of each of the reactants is appropriate.

In displacement immunoassays, the values for non-specific

binding and maximum displacement at high test or standard
concentration must not be significantly different. Differences
may indicate effects due to the matrix, either inhibition of
binding or degradation of tracer.
01/2005:20702

2.7.2. MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSAY OF

ANTIBIOTICS

The potency of an antibiotic is estimated by comparing the

inhibition of growth of sensitive micro-organisms produced
by known concentrations of the antibiotic to be examined
and a reference substance.
The reference substances used in the assays are substances
whose activity has been precisely determined with reference
to the corresponding international standard or international
reference preparation.
The assay must be designed in a way that will permit
examination of the validity of the mathematical model on
VALIDATION OF THE METHOD
which the potency equation is based. If a parallel-line model
Validation criteria
is chosen, the 2 log dose-response (or transformed response)
A quantitative immunochemical method is not valid unless : lines of the preparation to be examined and the reference
1) The antibody or antigen does not significantly discriminate preparation must be parallel ; they must be linear over the
range of doses used in the calculation. These conditions
between the test and standard. For a labelled reactant, the
must be verified by validity tests for a given probability,
corresponding reactant does not significantly discriminate
usually P = 0.05. Other mathematical models, such as the
between the labelled and unlabelled compound,
slope ratio model, may be used provided that proof of validity
2) The method is not affected by the assay matrix, that
is demonstrated.
is, any component of the test sample or its excipients,
Unless otherwise stated in the monograph, the confidence
which can vary between samples. These may include high
limits (P = 0.95) of the assay for potency are not less than
concentrations of other proteins, salts, preservatives or
95 per cent and not more than 105 per cent of the estimated
contaminating proteolytic activity,
potency.
3) The limit of quantitation is below the acceptance criteria
Carry out the assay by method A or method B.
stated in the individual monograph,
4) The precision of the assay is such that the variance of
A. DIFFUSION METHOD
the results meets the requirements stated in the individual
Liquefy a medium suitable for the conditions of the assay
monographs,
and inoculate it at a suitable temperature, for example 48 C
5) The order in which the assay is performed does not give
to 50 C for vegetative forms, with a known quantity of a
rise to systematic errors.
suspension of micro-organisms sensitive to the antibiotic to
be examined, such that clearly defined zones of inhibition
Validation methods
of suitable diameter are produced with the concentrations
In order to verify these criteria, the validation design
of the antibiotic used for the assay. Immediately pour into
includes the following elements :
Petri dishes or large rectangular dishes a quantity of the
1) The assay is performed at least in triplicate,
inoculated medium to form a uniform layer 2 mm to 5 mm
2) The assay includes at least 3 different dilutions of the
thick. Alternatively, the medium may consist of 2 layers, only
standard preparation and 3 dilutions of sample preparations the upper layer being inoculated.
of presumed activity similar to the standard preparation,
Store the dishes so that no appreciable growth or death of
the micro-organisms occurs before the dishes are used and
3) The assay layout is randomised,
4) If the test sample is presented in serum or formulated with so that the surface of the medium is dry at the time of use.
Using the solvent and the buffer solution indicated in
other components, the standard is likewise prepared,
5) The test includes the measurement of non-specific binding Table 2.7.2.-1, prepare solutions of the reference substance
and of the antibiotic to be examined having known
of the labelled reactant,
concentrations and presumed to be of equal activity. Apply
6) For displacement immunoassay :
the solutions to the surface of the medium, for example,
(a) maximum binding (zero displacement) is determined, in sterile cylinders of porcelain, stainless steel or other
suitable material, or in cavities prepared in the agar. The
(b) dilutions cover the complete response range from
values close to non-specific binding to maximum binding, same volume of solution must be added to each cylinder or
cavity. Alternatively, use sterile absorbent paper discs of
preferably for both standard and test preparations.
suitable quality ; impregnate the discs with the solutions of
STATISTICAL CALCULATION
the reference substance or the solutions of the antibiotic to
To analyse the results, response curves for test and standard be examined and place on the surface of the agar.
may be analysed by the methods described in 5.3. Statistical In order to assess the validity of the assay, use not fewer
Analysis of Results of Biological Assays and Tests.
than 3 doses of the reference substance and 3 doses of
the antibiotic to be examined having the same presumed
Significant non-parallelism indicates that the antibody or
activity as the doses of the reference substance. It is
antigen discriminates between test and standard, and the
preferable to use a series of doses in geometric progression.
results are not valid.
188

See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)

2.7.2. Microbiological assay of antibiotics

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

In routine assays when the linearity of the system has been subject to agreement by the competent authority. However,
demonstrated over an adequate number of experiments
in all cases of dispute, a three-point assay as described above
using a three-point assay, a two-point assay may be sufficient, must be applied.
Table 2.7.2.-1. Diffusion assay
Antibiotic

Solvent to be used
Buffer solution
Reference substance in preparing the
(pH)
stock solution

Micro-organism

Medium and final

pH ( 0.1 pH unit)

Incubation
temperature

Amphotericin B

Amphotericin B CRS

pH 10.5 (0.2 M)

Saccharomyces
cerevisiae
ATCC 9763
IP 1432-83

F - pH 6.1

35-37 C

Bacitracin zinc

0.01 M
Bacitracin zinc CRS
hydrochloric acid

pH 7.0 (0.05 M)

Micrococcus luteus
NCTC 7743
CIP 53.160
ATCC 10240

A - pH 7.0

35-39 C

Bleomycin sulphate

Bleomycin
sulphate CRS

pH 6.8 (0.1 M)

Mycobacterium
smegmatis
ATCC 607

G - pH 7.0

35-37 C

B - pH 7.3

35-39 C

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 8236
CIP 1.83

A - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 10400
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633

A - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 10400
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633

A - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 10400
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633

E - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Bacillus pumilus
NCTC 8241
CIP 76.18

E - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Bacillus pumilus
NCTC 8241
CIP 76.18

A - pH 7.9

35-39 C

Staphylococcus
epidermidis
NCIB 8853
CIP 68.21
ATCC 12228

A - pH 7.9

35-39 C

pH 5.6

Bacillus subtilis
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633
NCTC 10400

A - pH 6.6

35-37 C

pH 5.6

Bacillus subtilis
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633
NCTC 10400

A - pH 6.6

35-37 C

Colistimethate
sodium

Dihydrostreptomycin sulphate

Erythromycin
estolate

Framycetin sulphate

Gentamicin
sulphate

Colistimethate
sodium CRS

Dihydrostreptomycin sulphate CRS

Erythromycin CRS

Framycetin
sulphate CRS

Dimethyl
sulphoxide R

Water R

Water R

pH 6.0 (0.05 M)

Bordetella
bronchiseptica
NCTC 8344
CIP 53.157
ATCC 4617
Escherichia coli
NCIB 8879
CIP 54.127
ATCC 10536

Water R

Methanol R (see
the monographs)

Water R

Gentamicin
sulphate CRS

Water R

Josamycin

Josamycin CRS

Methanol R (see
the monograph)

Josamycin
propionate

Josamycin
propionate CRS

Methanol R (see
the monograph)

pH 8.0 (0.05 M)

Bacillus pumilus
NCTC 8241
CIP 76.18
pH 8.0 (0.05 M)

pH 8.0 (0.05 M)

pH 8.0 (0.05 M)

General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

189

2.7.2. Microbiological assay of antibiotics

Antibiotic

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Solvent to be used
Buffer solution
Reference substance in preparing the
(pH)
stock solution

Medium and final

pH ( 0.1 pH unit)

Incubation
temperature

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 10400
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633

A - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Staphylococcus
aureus
NCTC 7447
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P

A - pH 7.9

35-39 C

Bacillus pumilus
NCTC 8241
CIP 76.18

E - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 10400
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633

E - pH 7.9

30-37 C

A - pH 7.9

32-35 C

F - pH 6.0

30-37 C

F - pH 6.0

30-32 C

pH 7.0 (0.05 M)

Micrococcus luteus
NCTC 8340
CIP 53.45
ATCC 9341

A - pH 6.6

35-39 C

pH 8.0 (0.05 M)

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 10400
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633

A - pH 7.9

30-32 C

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 8236
CIP 1.83

A - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 10400
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633

A - pH 7.9

30-37 C

Kanamycin
monosulphate
Kanamycin
Water R
monosulphate CRS

pH 8.0 (0.05 M)

Kanamycin acid
sulphate

Neomycin sulphate
Neomycin sulphate for microbiological Water R
assay CRS

Netilmicin
Netilmicin sulphate
sulphate CRS

Water R

pH 8.0 (0.05 M)

Micro-organism

Staphylococcus
aureus
ATCC 6538P
CIP 53.156

pH 8.0 0.1

Candida tropicalis
CIP 1433-83
NCYC 1393

Nystatin

Nystatin CRS

Rifamycin sodium

Rifamycin
sodium CRS

Spiramycin

Streptomycin
sulphate

Spiramycin CRS

Methanol R

Methanol R

pH 6.0 (0.05 M)
containing 5 per
Saccharomyces
cent V/V of dimeth- cerevisiae
ylformamide R
NCYC 87
CIP 1432-83
ATCC 9763

Streptomycin
sulphate CRS

Water R

pH 8.0 (0.05 M)

Tylosin CRS

2.5 per cent V/V

solution of
methanol R in
0.1 M phosphate
buffer solution
pH 7.0 R

A mixture of
40 volumes of
methanol R and
60 volumes of 0.1 M
phosphate buffer
solution pH 8.0 R

Micrococcus luteus
NCTC 8340
CIP 53.45
ATCC 9341

A - pH 8.0

32-35 C

Vancomycin
hydrochloride CRS

Water R

pH 8.0

Bacillus subtilis
NCTC 8236
CIP 52.62
ATCC 6633

A - pH 8.0

37-39 C

Tylosin for
veterinary use
Tylosin tartrate for
veterinary use
Vancomycin
hydrochloride

Dimethylformamide R

Arrange the solutions on each Petri dish or on each

rectangular dish according to a statistically suitable design,
except for small Petri dishes that cannot accommodate more
than 6 solutions, arrange the solutions of the antibiotic to
be examined and the solutions of the reference substance
in an alternate manner to avoid interaction of the more
concentrated solutions.

to minimise the effects of the variation in time between the

application of the solutions and to improve the regression
slope.

Incubate at a suitable temperature for about 18 h. A period

of diffusion prior to incubation, usually 1 h to 4 h, at room
temperature or at about 4 C, as appropriate, may be used

Use in each assay the number of replications per dose

sufficient to ensure the required precision. The assay may be
repeated and the results combined statistically to obtain the

190

Measure the diameters with a precision of at least 0.1 mm

or the areas of the circular inhibition zones with a
corresponding precision and calculate the potency using
appropriate statistical methods.

See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)

2.7.2. Microbiological assay of antibiotics

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

required precision and to ascertain whether the potency of

the antibiotic to be examined is not less than the minimum
required.
B. TURBIDIMETRIC METHOD
Inoculate a suitable medium with a suspension of the chosen
micro-organism having a sensitivity to the antibiotic to be
examined such that a sufficiently large inhibition of microbial
growth occurs in the conditions of the test. Use a known
quantity of the suspension chosen so as to obtain a readily
measurable opacity after an incubation period of about 4 h.
Use the inoculated medium immediately after its preparation.
Using the solvent and the buffer solution indicated in
Table 2.7.2.-2 prepare solutions of the reference substance
and of the antibiotic to be examined having known
concentrations presumed to be of equal activity.
In order that the validity of the assay may be assessed,
use not fewer than 3 doses of the reference substance and
3 doses of the antibiotic to be examined having the same
presumed activity as the doses of the reference substance. It
is preferable to use a series of doses in geometric progression.
In order to obtain the required linearity, it may be necessary
to select from a large number 3 consecutive doses, using
corresponding doses for the reference substance and the
antibiotic to be examined.
Distribute an equal volume of each of the solutions into
identical test-tubes and add to each tube an equal volume of
inoculated medium (for example, 1 ml of the solution and
9 ml of the medium). For the assay of tyrothricin add 0.1 ml
of the solution to 9.9 ml of inoculated medium.

Place all the tubes, randomly distributed or in a Latin square

or randomised block arrangement, in a water-bath or other
suitable apparatus fitted with a means of bringing all the
tubes rapidly to the appropriate incubation temperature
and maintain them at that temperature for 3 h to 4 h,
taking precautions to ensure uniformity of temperature and
identical incubation time.
After incubation, stop the growth of the micro-organisms by
adding 0.5 ml of formaldehyde R to each tube or by heat
treatment and measure the opacity to 3 significant figures
using suitable optical apparatus. Alternatively use a method
which allows the opacity of each tube to be measured after
exactly the same period of incubation.
Calculate the potency using appropriate statistical methods.
Linearity of the dose-response relationship, transformed or
untransformed, is often obtained only over a very limited
range. It is this range which must be used in calculating the
activity and it must include at least 3 consecutive doses in
order to permit linearity to be verified. In routine assays
when the linearity of the system has been demonstrated
over an adequate number of experiments using a three-point
assay, a two-point assay may be sufficient, subject to
agreement by the competent authority. However, in all cases
of dispute, a three-point assay must be applied.
Use in each assay the number of replications per dose
sufficient to ensure the required precision. The assay may be
repeated and the results combined statistically to obtain the
required precision and to ascertain whether the potency of
the antibiotic to be examined is not less than the minimum
required.

Prepare at the same time 2 control tubes without antibiotic,

both containing the inoculated medium and to one of which
is added immediately 0.5 ml of formaldehyde R. These tubes
are used to set the optical apparatus used to measure the
growth.
Table 2.7.2.-2. Turbidimetric assay
Solvent to be used
Buffer solution
in preparing the
(pH)
stock solution

Micro-organism

Medium and final Incubation

pH ( 0.1 pH unit) temperature

Water R

pH 7.0

Escherichia coli
NCIB 8666
CIP 2.83
ATCC 9637

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

pH 8.0

Klebsiella
pneumoniae
NCTC 7427
CIP 53.153
ATCC 10031

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

Klebsiella
pneumoniae
NCTC 7427
CIP 53.153
ATCC 10031

D - pH 7.0

35-37 C

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

Erythromycin
ethylsuccinate

Staphylococcus
aureus
NCTC 7447
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P

Framycetin sulphate

Staphylococcus
aureus
NCTC 7447
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

Antibiotic

Reference
substance

Colistimethate
sodium

Colistimethate
sodium CRS

Dihydrostreptomycin sulphate

Dihydrostreptomycin sulphate CRS

Water R

Erythromycin
estolate
Erythromycin CRS

Framycetin
sulphate CRS

Methanol R (see
the monographs)

Water R

pH 8.0

pH 8.0

General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

191

2.7.2. Microbiological assay of antibiotics

Antibiotic

Gentamicin
sulphate

Reference
substance

Gentamicin
sulphate CRS

Gramicidin CRS

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Solvent to be used
Buffer solution
in preparing the
(pH)
stock solution

Micro-organism

Medium and final Incubation

pH ( 0.1 pH unit) temperature

Water R

pH 7.0

Staphylococcus
aureus
NCTC 7447
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

pH 7.0*

Enterococcus hirae
CIP 58.55
ATCC 10541
Staphylococcus
aureus
ATCC 6538 P

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

Methanol R

Gramicidin
*

Addition of a detergent may be necessary to avoid adsorption on the material during the dilutions, for example 0.1 mg/ml
of polysorbate 80 R

Josamycin

Josamycin
propionate
Kanamycin
monosulphate
Kanamycin acid
sulphate

Josamycin CRS

Josamycin
propionate CRS

Methanol R (see
the monograph)

Methanol R (see
the monograph)

Kanamycin
Water R
monosulphate CRS

Neomycin sulphate
Neomycin sulphate for microbiological Water R
assay CRS

Rifamycin sodium

Spiramycin

Streptomycin
sulphate

Rifamycin
sodium CRS

Spiramycin CRS

Methanol R

Methanol R

pH 5.6

Staphylococcus
aureus
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P
NCTC 7447

C - pH 8.0

35-37 C

pH 5.6

Staphylococcus
aureus
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P
NCTC 7447

C - pH 8.0

35-37 C

pH 8.0

Staphylococcus
aureus
NCTC 7447
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

pH 8.0

Staphylococcus
aureus
NCTC 7447
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

pH 7.0

Escherichia coli
NCIB 8879
CIP 54.127
ATCC 10536

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

pH 7.0

Staphylococcus
aureus
NCTC 7447
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

pH 8.0

Klebsiella
pneumoniae
NCTC 7427
CIP 53.153
ATCC 10031

C - pH 7.0

35-37 C

C - pH 7.0

37 C

Streptomycin
sulphate CRS

Water R

Tylosin CRS

2.5 per cent V/V

solution of
methanol R in
0.1 M phosphate
buffer solution
pH 7.0 R

pH 7.0

Staphylococcus
aureus
NCTC 6571
ATCC 9144
CIP 53.154

Tyrothricin

Gramicidin CRS

Alcohol R

Alcohol R

Enterococcus hirae
ATCC 10541

C - pH 7.0

37 C

Vancomycin
hydrochloride

Vancomycin
hydrochloride CRS

pH 8.0

Staphylococcus
aureus
CIP 53.156
ATCC 6538 P

C - pH 7.0

37-39 C

Tylosin for
veterinary use
Tylosin tartrate for
veterinary use

Water R

antibiotic to be examined and are used in appropriate media

and appropriate conditions of temperature and pH. The
RECOMMENDED MICRO-ORGANISMS
concentrations of the solutions used should be chosen so
The following text details the recommended micro-organisms as to ensure that a linear relationship exists between the
logarithm of the dose and the response in the conditions
and the conditions of use. Other micro-organisms may be
of the test.
used provided that they are shown to be sensitive to the
The following section is published for information.

192

See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)

2.7.2. Microbiological assay of antibiotics

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Preparation of inocula. Bacillus cereus var. mycoides ;

Bacillus subtilis ; Bacillus pumilus. Spore suspensions of
the organisms to be used as inocula are prepared as follows.
Grow the organism at 35-37 C for 7 days on the surface
of a suitable medium to which has been added 0.001 g/l
of manganese sulphate R. Using sterile water R, wash
off the growth, which consists mainly of spores. Heat
the suspension at 70 C for 30 min and dilute to give an
appropriate concentration of spores, usually 10 106 to
100 106 per millilitre. The spore suspensions may be stored
for long periods at a temperature not exceeding 4 C.
Alternatively, spore suspensions may be prepared by
cultivating the organisms in medium C at 26 C for 4-6 days,
then adding, aseptically, sufficient manganese sulphate R to
give a concentration of 0.001 g/l and incubating for a further
48 h. Examine the suspension microscopically to ensure that
adequate spore formation has taken place (about 80 per cent)
and centrifuge. Re-suspend the sediment in sterile water R
to give a concentration of 10 106 to 100 106 spores per
millilitre, and then heat to 70 C for 30 min. Store the
suspension at a temperature not exceeding 4 C.
Bordetella bronchiseptica. Grow the test organism on
medium B at 35-37 C for 16-18 h. Wash off the bacterial
growth with sterile water R and dilute to a suitable opacity.
Staphylococcus aureus ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ;
Escherichia coli ; Micrococcus luteus ; Staphylococcus
epidermidis. Prepare as described above for
B. bronchiseptica but using medium A and adjusting
the opacity to one which has been shown to produce a
satisfactory dose-response relationship in the turbidimetric
assay, or to produce clearly defined zones of inhibition of
convenient diameter in the diffusion assay, as appropriate.

For bleomycin sulphate, prepare the buffer solution

pH 6.8 as follows : dissolve 6.4 g of potassium dihydrogen
phosphate R and 18.9 g of disodium hydrogen phosphate R
in water R and dilute to 1000 ml with water R.
For amphotericin B, prepare the 0.2 M phosphate buffer
solution pH 10.5 as follows : dissolve 35 g of dipotassium
hydrogen phosphate R in 900 ml of water R, add 20 ml of
1 M sodium hydroxide and dilute to 1000.0 ml with water R.
Culture media. The following media or equivalent media
may be used.
Medium A
Peptone

6g

Pancreatic digest of casein

4g

Beef extract

1.5 g

Yeast extract

3g

Glucose monohydrate

1g
15 g

Agar

1000 ml

Water to produce

Medium B
Pancreatic digest of casein

17 g

Papaic digest of soya bean

3g
5g

Sodium chloride
Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate

2.5 g

Glucose monohydrate

2.5 g

Agar

15 g

Polysorbate 80

10 g

Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; Candida tropicalis. Grow the

1000 ml
Water to produce
test organism on medium F at 30-37 C for 24 h. Wash off
the growth with a sterile 9 g/l solution of sodium chloride R. The polysorbate 80 is added to the hot solution of the other
Dilute to a suitable opacity with the same solution.
ingredients after boiling, and immediately before adjusting
Buffer solutions. Buffer solutions having a pH between 5.8 to volume.
and 8.0 are prepared by mixing 50.0 ml of 0.2 M potassium
Medium C
dihydrogen phosphate R with the quantity of 0.2 M sodium
hydroxide indicated in Table 2.7.2.-3. Dilute with freshly
6g
Peptone
prepared distilled water R to produce 200.0 ml.
1.5 g
Beef extract

Table 2.7.2.-3.

3g

Yeast extract

3.5 g

Sodium chloride

pH

0.2 M Sodium hydroxide (ml)

5.8

3.72

Glucose monohydrate

6.0

5.70

Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate

3.68 g

6.2

8.60

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate

1.32 g

6.4

12.60

Water to produce

6.6

17.80

6.8

23.65

7.0

29.63

7.2

35.00

7.4

39.50

7.6

42.80

7.8

45.20

8.0

46.80

These buffer solutions are used for all microbiological assays

shown in Table 2.7.2.-1 with the exception of bleomycin
sulphate and amphotericin B.
General Notices (1) apply to all monographs and other texts

1g

1000 ml

Medium D
Heart extract

1.5 g

Yeast extract

1.5 g

Peptone-casein

5g

Glucose monohydrate

1g

Sodium chloride

3.5 g

Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate

3.68 g

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate

1.32 g

Potassium nitrate

2g

Water to produce

1000 ml

193

2.7.4. Assay of human coagulation factor VIII

EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA 5.0

Medium E
Peptone

5g

Meat extract

3g

Disodium hydrogen phosphate,12H2O

26.9 g
10 g

Agar

1000 ml

Water to produce

The disodium hydrogen phosphate is added as a sterile

solution after sterilisation of the medium.
Medium F
Peptone

9.4 g

Yeast extract

4.7 g

Beef extract

2.4 g

Sodium chloride

10.0 g

Glucose monohydrate

10.0 g

Agar

Both steps employ reagents that may be obtained

commercially from a variety of sources. Although the
composition of individual reagents may be subject to some
variation, their essential features are described in the
following specification. Deviations from this description
may be permissible provided that it has been shown, using
the International Standard for Human Blood Coagulation
Factor VIII concentrate as the standard, that the results
obtained do not differ significantly.
Commercial assay kits are to be used in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions ; it is important to ascertain the
suitability for the assay of the kit used.

23.5 g

Water to produce

1000 ml

REAGENTS

The coagulation factor reagent comprises purified proteins

derived from human or bovine sources. These include
factor X, factor IXa, and a factor VIII activator, usually
Peptone
10 g
thrombin. These proteins are partly purified, preferably
to at least 50 per cent, and do not contain impurities that
Meat extract
10 g
interfere with the activation of factor VIII or factor X.
3g
Sodium chloride
Factor X is present in amounts giving a final concentration
Agar
15 g
during the first step of the assay of 10-350 nmol/l, preferably
15-30 nmol/l. Factor IXa is prepared by activating purified
Water to produce
1000 ml
factor IX to factor IXa using factor XIa, and by subsequent
purification of factor IXa from the reaction mixture. Its final
pH 7.0 0.1 after sterilisation.
concentration during factor Xa generation is less than 30 per
cent of the factor X concentration, usually 1-100 nmol/l,
01/2005:20704 preferably 1-10 nmol/l. Thrombin may be present in its
precursor form prothrombin, provided that its activation in
the reagent is sufficiently rapid to give almost instantaneous,
2.7.4. ASSAY OF HUMAN
complete activation of factor VIII in the assay. Phospholipids
may be obtained from natural sources such as bovine brain
COAGULATION FACTOR VIII
or spinal cord or soya-bean extract, or synthetically prepared,
Human coagulation factor VIII is assayed by its biological
and must consist to a substantial extent, usually 15 per cent
activity as a cofactor in the activation of factor X by activated to 35 per cent, of the species phosphatidylserine. The final
factor IX (factor IXa) in the presence of calcium ions and
phospholipid concentration during factor Xa generation is
phospholipids. The potency of a factor VIII preparation is
1-50 mol/l, preferably 10-35 mol/l. The reagent contains
estimated by comparing the quantity necessary to achieve
calcium ions to give a final concentration of 5-15 mmol/l.
a certain rate of factor Xa formation in a test mixture
The final factor Xa generation is performed in a solution
containing the substances that take part in the activation of containing at least 1 mg/ml of human or bovine albumin
factor X, and the quantity of the International Standard, or which is appropriately buffered, at a pH of 7.38.0. The
of a reference preparation calibrated in International Units, components of the complete reagent are usually divided into
required to produce the same rate of factor Xa formation.
at least two separate reagents each lacking the ability to
generate factor Xa on its own. After reconstitution, these
The International Unit is the factor VIII activity of a stated
may be combined provided that no substantial amounts of
amount of the International Standard which consists of a
factor Xa are generated in the absence of factor VIII. In
freeze-dried human coagulation factor VIII concentrate.
the final incubation mixture, factor VIII must be the only
The equivalence in International Units of the International
rate-limiting component.
Standard is stated by the World Health Organisation.
Human coagulation factor VIII BRP is calibrated in
The second step comprises the quantification of the formed
International Units by comparison with the International
factor Xa employing a chromogenic substrate that is specific
Standard.
for factor Xa. Generally this consists of a derivatised short
The chromogenic assay method consists of two consecutive peptide of between three and five amino acids, joined to
a chromophore group. On cleavage of this group from the
steps : the factor VIII-dependent activation of factor X
peptide substrate, its chromophoric properties shift to a
in a coagulation-factor reagent composed of purified
wavelength allowing its spectrophotometric quantification.
components, and the enzymatic cleavage of a chromogenic
The substrate is usually dissolved in water and used at a
factor Xa substrate to yield a chromophore that can be
quantified spectrophotometrically. Under appropriate assay final concentration of 0.2-2 mmol/l. The substrate may
further contain appropriate inhibitors to stop further factor
conditions, there is a linear relation between the rate of
Xa generation and to suppress thrombin activity, thereby
factor Xa formation and the factor VIII concentration. The
improving selectivity for factor Xa.
assay is summarised by the following scheme :
Medium G

Glycerol

10 g

194

See the information section on general monographs (cover pages)